Francisco Javier Almeida stands accused of killing nine-year-old Alex in Lardero, La Rioja. In October 2021 he told a reporter that he would remember what happened that day, going so far as to claim a mysterious cloud and the boy acted entirely on their own volition. This claim surfaced as the trial moves forward in Logroño.
Chamber 13 of the Logroño State Court is today hosting the first public jury session against Almeida, aged 55, where prosecutors seek a permanent reviewable prison sentence for murder. At the same time, Alex’s family faces a separate charge alleging fifteen years in prison for sexual assault connected to the case.
In initial statements, Almeida acknowledged heavy drinking on the day in question and asserted that there was no intent to attack or kill. He did not provide a clear explanation of what he was seeking or how the events unfolded.
He told the prosecutor that what followed happened very quickly. He recalled aiding the child after the incident and taking him to a hospital for help, admitting that he carried the boy when the situation changed and someone needed medical attention. The defendant also admitted being present in the bedroom but contended that the boy had lowered his own pants. He denied rape but admitted that a sexual act occurred.
The family of Alex faces the ongoing trial with the trial period expected to span several days. They described the coming days as extremely difficult but expressed a hopeful resolve to begin anew after the case concludes. This update was conveyed by Gonzalo Martín, a close relative and spokesman for the family since the crime, as the parents have chosen not to speak publicly and requested to remain away from media coverage after the hearing this Monday. The proceedings continue at the Logroño County Court.
The legal actions include a two-week hearing during which the family hopes this case will mark a decisive moment in preventing a repeat offense, noting that Almeida has been under surveillance since April 2020. Martín arrived at the La Rioja Palace of Justice visibly tense, accompanied by Blanca Estrella, president of the Clara Campoamor Association, which participates in the public prosecution, and by Alicia Redondo, the association’s lawyer who also represents the family.
During the first court session, the judge allowed statements from the accused, the public, popular and private accusers. The prosecution requested a permanent sentence with the possibility of review, seeking a term of fifteen years for murder and additional penalties related to the sexual offense.
i need to look at your face
As the investigation continues, Almeida has declined to testify. Martín noted that the family will have much to say in due course and remains cautious, waiting for the process to unfold, while the family expresses a desire to see the truth laid bare. The emotional weight of the day was clear as the family requested the opportunity to confront the accused directly in court.
Today is described as a highly challenging day loaded with nerves and mixed emotions. The family also spoke of the hope that the case will bring closure and mark the end of a painful chapter, even though the loss of Alex will remain forever in their hearts.
The family members expressed a wish for the maximum sentence possible and a belief that the perpetrator should not be released. They argued that closer supervision might have prevented the tragedy, and they emphasized the need for accountability in light of Almeida’s prior parole history. The discussion also touched on the broader question of how past decisions regarding parole could affect future outcomes.
Martín reminded observers that the accused has a parole history tied to a different historical case involving a real estate agent in Logroño. He noted that the earlier case involved sexual assault and contentious decisions by a local board and the Cantabrian prison system, which ultimately led to a controversial release. The family contends that responsibility must be clearly established before any conclusions about parole eligibility are drawn.